Some employees may find this content triggering.
Faculty and staff who have been affected by the Oct. 24 incident at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis can find below resources. Know that whatever you’re feeling is normal and there is no “right” response or timeline.
Employee Assistance through Work-Life Solutions
The university’s employee assistance program (EAP), Work-Life Solutions, is a benefit available to WashU employees and household members at no cost. Work-Life Solutions is available 24/7 and offers confidential services. Employees receive five (5) free sessions for a single issue.
You may find additional supportive resources online through Work-Life Solutions. You must be logged into GuidanceResources ComPsych to view content. Create a new account online by visiting Guidance Resources and using the web ID: WASHU.
Find EAP’s GuidanceResources below:
- Coping with a Traumatic Event (PDF)
- Answering Questions Children have About Tragedy and Violence (PDF)
Mental Health Support
WashU employees and their family members can access mental health support through multiple channels.
- Find support with Work-Life Solutions.
- Schedule a mental health appointment with WashU’s Department of Psychiatry, which offers lower copays or coinsurances for employees and their dependents enrolled in one of WashU’s health plans.
- Engage in a mindful meditation session, “breathing into anxiety”. Additional mindfulness recordings are available in our audio library. You can also attend a mindfulness drop-in session at your convenience.
Find additional support for yourself or your family on the Mental Health Hub.
Managers: You have resources available to you to support your team members.
- Contact Human Resources to coordinate an on-site or telephonic counseling session.
- Contact Work-Life Solutions to consult with a counselor how best to support a team member who may be struggling.
- Download Guidance Resources brochure, “How Managers Can Help Employees Deal with Traumatic Events” (PDF) online.
- Let your team members know where they can find resources and support, and you are there support them if and when they need it.
Family Care Support
If you or a loved one needs family care support related to this traumatic event, you can schedule an appointment with WashU’s Department of Psychiatry for dependents enrolled in a WashU health plan. Parents can also find ways to coping strategies through the Sandy Hook Promise website. You can also contact our Child and Family Care Facilitator, Lisa Eberle-Mayse, for additional needs or resources.
Campus Resources
- The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- WashU Institute for Public Health’s Gun Violence Initiative or Life Outside of Violence (LOV) program